Ad Hominem

The word means: appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason, or attacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.

 

This is where I would like for us to depart. There is no doubt that each one of us do this at some level. But where I would for us to begin is to drop the Ad Hominem attacks. When we disagree we can do so on the issue and in a gracious manner. Where I see we fail is to simply say, "you're wrong!" And then there is no follow up on an alternative. It is better to reason with one another than to attack with no clear plan to given to the other group or individual to consider.

 

As we make this journey together there is no doubt that we will have differing views on certain subjects and when we do let us respond to one another with a sense of respect and dignity and let us attempt to find a bases that we can work from. In our discussions please let us not become bitter and angry with one another and if we can't agree on a solution today lets table it for later. Time tends to lend us wisdom and often in the heat of the moment one tends to be blinded by his or her own prejudices. Let us be different from all the other movements that may have failed at this.

 

I bring this up because a great fear I have is an issue will arise that will divide us, but that's okay that we do not completely agree on all things. When can still discuss and lend support for the cause of good, even if we do not fully see the grand vision of another individual. I appeal to our "better angels", in the words of Abraham Lincoln. I believe that humans are inherently good and can bring about much good in the world. I believe we are stewards of a beautiful world and we being the only animals conscience of their existence are duty bound to take care of all else the planet harbors, for all we can see scientifically, we are all there is in the universe, why not do all in our power to protect it.

 

Whether you are religious and believe there is a god who placed us here to have dominion or you are an atheist and believe this is all we have, why not make sure our species lives on forever in peace and harmony. I especially appeal to those who feel this is it, we are obligated to make sure planet Earth survives with a race of people who have overcome their tendencies for war, and greed, and hate.

 

I want to leave this world behind much better not just a little, if for some reason this is it, I want to make sure one million years from now we have left a legacy, that they look back at our generation and say, "Those were the founding fathers and mothers, who made a better world. They are the reason we have peace and that we have sustainable life. They were the ones who provided freedom the world over. They had courage in the face of insurmountable odds."

 

I have reached out to some for their thoughts on what should be discussed here. I want to recognize those thoughts and if for some reason you have felt I did not do them justice feel free to post a reply and I will post it, I will leave you anonyms if you would like, but I need your voice. I will discuss them more in depth as we go along. 

 

I have had a few responses they have been, "Why do we spend so much on defense?" and "How come many other countries have found a way to offer healthcare to their citizens and still function, why can't we figure something out?" or "How are they capable of offering higher education for nearly free, while we saddle our people with debt?" I've also heard we should discuss accountability, I believe this is needed among all classes of people, we are responsible for many of our situations. I've also heard we need to discuss how we can help others feel a sense of pride and dignity and character development even though they may be impoverished.

 

There is so much to do and it really hit home this past Saturday listening to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror,

"I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right...

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change..."

 

I've heard this song 100's of times but I finally got what he was trying to say. All the things we say we want to see change, you must then start with yourself! This is why I started this. I'm gonna make a change!

 

As always lets start with what we have in common which right now is that the world is speeding to the abyss.

 

#COMMONGROUND